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01-08-2010, 06:38 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 6
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Suspension Help
I have my first 5th wheel trailer on order, & need input on the pros & cons of installing either Firestone Airbags or Timbren rubber bumper supports.
Anyone have advice for me? 
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2005 F250 SD 6.0 PSD 4x4 FX4 Auto CC LB
2010 Cougar 318SAB
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01-08-2010, 08:26 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Dallas,OR
Posts: 4,584
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Rule number one. Neither product will increase the trucks GVWR or GCWR.
Those that have Timbrens generally like them. Same for air bags. Personally I prefer air bags. You can vary the air pressure in the bags to create a customized ride effect. Timbrens you cannot adjust. Once installed they will come into contact with the frame after your load is sufficient. If you have only a partial load and they are close, going over a rough road can create a jarring effect. You will probably hear some people claim that air bags leaked. IMHO that is a rumor more than truth. Can an air bag fail? YUP! But do you see Timbrens on class 8 trucks or trailers? NOPE! Large truck use and have for years used air bags
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Don and Lorri
Resident Dummy. 
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01-09-2010, 08:18 AM
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#3
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Moderator Emeritus
Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Bryan, TX when not traveling.
Posts: 22,948
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As Don pointed out, the air bags or Timbrens will not increase the weight carrying capacity of your 3/4 ton truck. They will be a crutch and prop the rear end up. Start by weiging your truck and working the numbers from that point.
Work out the weight information on this site. There is a spreadsheet at the bottom of the page.
By the way, what kind of trailer did you order?
Ken
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Amateur Radio Operator (KE5DFR)|No Longer Full-Time! - 2023 Cougar 22MLS toted by 2022 F150, 3.5L EcoBoost Tow Max FX4 Lariat Travel with one Standard Schnauzer and one small Timneh African Gray Parrot, retired mechanical engineer
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01-09-2010, 10:10 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Wherever we are
Posts: 4,288
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I believe either of the products will work. I used AirLift bags on my '02 250 and on my '04 350 SRW--one side developed a leak that the installer could not locate. I then went to Timbrens on the '04 and moved the set to the '07 DRW I had later. Now, with the 450, I don't need either.
I liked the air bags but not the airing/deflation needed loaded/unloaded--having the compressor/gauge would simplify that problem. The Timbrens are install in 15 min/side and forget them.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED in a set of Timbrens for your 250, I have them at a good price. Email me at joejd at aol.com or call 817 two three nine 0514. I also have the airbags too, if you want them for next-to-free + shipping.
Joe
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'16 40QBH Phaeton
'21 Sahara HA toad
'15 38RSSA Mobile Suites--traded
'05 36TK3 Mobile Suites--retired but not forgotten
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01-09-2010, 04:00 PM
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#5
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 6
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Cougar 318SAB
I know it will be at or slightly above GVWR. I've read the info you suggested but this is the hand I have to work with.
__________________
2005 F250 SD 6.0 PSD 4x4 FX4 Auto CC LB
2010 Cougar 318SAB
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01-09-2010, 07:57 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Wherever we are
Posts: 4,288
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Been looking at the Keystone site--the only thing I would suggest for the trailer, if you can still do it, is change to the E tires--should be a cheap upgrade if you get them as an option.
Joe
__________________
'16 40QBH Phaeton
'21 Sahara HA toad
'15 38RSSA Mobile Suites--traded
'05 36TK3 Mobile Suites--retired but not forgotten
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01-09-2010, 08:10 PM
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#7
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 6
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Joe,
Trailer has "Big Mountain" option which includes 16" tires w/7K axles & shocks.
__________________
2005 F250 SD 6.0 PSD 4x4 FX4 Auto CC LB
2010 Cougar 318SAB
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01-09-2010, 09:50 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Wherever we are
Posts: 4,288
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Yes, but are the tires 16" Load Range E? Looking at the specs, only one model came with them standard. If that option pkg includes the Es, that's good. D tires on that size trailer are too close to rated weight, in my opinion.
Joe
Thinking a little better, 7K axles will probably have the Es.
__________________
'16 40QBH Phaeton
'21 Sahara HA toad
'15 38RSSA Mobile Suites--traded
'05 36TK3 Mobile Suites--retired but not forgotten
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01-09-2010, 10:03 PM
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#9
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 6
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As far as I know, they are 235/80R16E.
__________________
2005 F250 SD 6.0 PSD 4x4 FX4 Auto CC LB
2010 Cougar 318SAB
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01-09-2010, 10:18 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Wherever we are
Posts: 4,288
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Good truck, good trailer, good to go.
__________________
'16 40QBH Phaeton
'21 Sahara HA toad
'15 38RSSA Mobile Suites--traded
'05 36TK3 Mobile Suites--retired but not forgotten
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